Door Lock Shaft Cam Mechanism for Storage Locker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems for storage lockers lack a unified mechanism to efficiently and manually control multiple locks independently, requiring cumbersome key operations and tools for each lock.
Innovation Solution
A door lock system featuring a shaft, cam, and actuator lock with a selector mechanism, allowing for manual rotation and axial movement of the cam to engage control devices at multiple door lock release locations, utilizing a lead screw and key-operated actuator lock for coordinated unlocking and locking of multiple doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a unified mechanism is used to control multiple door locks, then operational complexity is reduced and efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the shaft, cam, and selector mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple door lock control functions are merged into a single unified mechanism. The shaft with multiple cams allows one operational sequence to control multiple door locks simultaneously, consolidating what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms for each door.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft-cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it can selectively engage different door locks at different positions along the shaft, provide both locking and unlocking operations, and accommodate variable numbers of door locks through the modular cam arrangement.
2Device complexity
If manual control of each door lock is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but operational efficiency and user convenience deteriorate due to cumbersome key operations and tools for each lock
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple manual lock control operations are combined into a single rotational motion of the shaft. Instead of requiring separate key operations for each door, the unified mechanism allows sequential or simultaneous control of multiple doors through one continuous motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam positions are pre-configured along the shaft at specific locations corresponding to different door locks. This preliminary arrangement of control points allows the operator to simply rotate the shaft to the appropriate position rather than performing complex selective operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cam can move along the shaft to different release locations, then versatility and adaptability are improved, but the reliability may worsen due to potential misalignment or engagement issues at multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
Each cam position along the shaft is specifically designed with local geometric features that match corresponding control devices at specific door lock locations. The cam profile at each position is optimized for its intended engagement point, ensuring reliable operation at each discrete location.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam automatically engages with the control devices at the correct positions as it rotates along the shaft. The geometric design of the cam and control devices ensures proper alignment and engagement without requiring external adjustment or intervention, allowing the mechanism to self-correct minor positioning variations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, manual, and coordinated control of multiple door locks through a single mechanism, reducing operational complexity and enhancing user convenience by allowing sequential or simultaneous locking/unlocking of multiple storage locker doors.
Implementation Method 1
The selector may include a lead screw configured for use with a driving tool for manually rotating the lead screw
Implementation Method 2
The cam is supported on the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and for movement along the shaft throughout a range of door lock release locations
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock system includes a shaft and a cam. The cam is supported on the shaft for rotation with the shaft, and for movement along the shaft throughout a range of door lock release locations. A selector engages the cam to move the cam along the shaft upon rotation of the selector. An actuator lock has a closed condition blocking rotation of the shaft, and has an open condition permitting rotation of the shaft. The actuator lock prevents rotation of the cam at any of the door lock release locations when the actuator lock is in the closed condition.